AIB League: Division 1A Previews

19 February 2010 09:27am

By Editor

A view of a lineout during the AIB League Division One semi-final meeting of Cork Constitution and Clontarf at Temple Hill last April. The north Dubliners won that tie 25-6, outscoring Cork Con by three tries to none

This Saturday sees AIB League Division 1A swing back into action for its first full round of matches since January 23. Clontarf and Cork Con clash in a repeat of last year's semi-final, leaders Shannon host fifth-placed Blackrock, while fellow play-off hopefuls Dolphin and St. Mary's both have must-win home games.

Preview: Munster have not exactly done AIB Cup champions Cork Constitution any favours by the inclusion of Duncan Williams. Scott Deasy, Tom Gleeson and Billy Holland on their bench for the Magners League clash with Edinburgh.

Then again, a key to Cork Con's success all season has been their strength in depth. While Brian Walsh's men still remain favourites to win this one, it may not be as straightforward as it seems.

Bernard Jackman's Clontarf side are battling for survival, lying second from bottom of the table. They desperately need a victory, but will clearly need to improve hugely from their last outing against Dolphin, particularly in the scrum.

Preview: Dolphin will be seeking revenge after the disappointing 13-12 loss in the rearranged fixture between these two sides recently at Dooradoyle.

They still must be wondering just how they lost, given the circumstances which saw Garryowen experience all sort of injury problems in their front row and eventually finish with 14 men. From Garryowen's point of view, it was a tremendous show of character.

The victory means that their recent improved run has brought them above Clontarf in the table. Some welcome news for third-placed Dolphin is the return after injury of their influential out-half and captain Barry Keeshan but back rower James Coughlan is required by Munster.

Preview: High-flying Shannon showed just how good they can be in their most recent victory over St. Mary's College at Templeville Road. Their bonus point victory proved that, with or without their Munster contingent, they remain highly competitive.

If they play half as well at Coonagh on Saturday, it is going to be very difficult for Blackrock. On the previous occasion the sides met at Stradbrook, Shannon won 21-15 with Felix Jones making a big impact from full-back.

Jones will not be around for the rest of the season because of injury, while Donnacha Ryan is required by Munster, but Shannon are still going to be very strong. That said, they know they must not underestimate this Blackrock outfit, who can be very dangerous if they get any sort of possession.

Preview: St. Mary's College will know better than anyone that they really have to get going, following a poor run which has seen them drop to fourth in the table.

But they did not play at all badly in their most recent defeat by Shannon. Their problem was that they did not convert pressure into scores, and Shannon took their chances brilliantly.

To come out of the game without even a losing bonus point must have been hugely disappointing. They are definitely capable of returning to winning form this weekend, but the fact that they lost 25-20 to UL Bohemians at Thomond Park back in November will tell them that absolutely nothing can be taken for granted.

The countdown is on to the Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23. Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens & Women's Rugby, previews what promises to be an exciting couple of days.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Jenny Murphy talks about the progress made by the Ireland Women's Sevens team and their pool draw for the upcoming Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Conor Murray and Tommy Bowe speak to Irish Rugby TV about their Rugby World Cup preparations and thank the thousands of supporters who came out to see the players at the open training session at the Sportsground.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell gives his verdict on the team's new Rugby World Cup jersey and talks about his move to French club Toulon. Ireland's RWC 2015 range is available to pre-order now from http://shop.irishrugby.ie.

Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens, talks about the target of a top three finish for both the Ireland Men and Women in Lisbon this weekend, as they continue on their quests for Olympic qualification.

Tom Daly, who recently captained the Ireland Men's Sevens team to the European Division C and B titles, is looking forward to playing in this weekend's Rugby Europe Olympic Repechage tournament in Lisbon, Portugal.

Ireland will host the 'Women's Sevens Dublin' at UCD on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23. Tournament director Garrett Tubridy and Ireland stars Lucy Mulhall, Jenny Murphy and Louise Galvin speak about their excitement ahead of the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series qualifier.

Coach Allen Clarke and stand-in captain Billy Holland answer questions from the media following Emerging Ireland's 45-12 victory over Georgia in the final round of their successful Tbilisi Cup campaign.

Emerging Ireland coach Allen Clarke speaks about his side's five-try 33-7 win over Uruguay in the Tbilisi Cup and the first half injury to captain Rhys Ruddock. They wrap up the tournament against hosts Georgia on Sunday.

Speaking about the floods that occurred following the Tbilisi Cup's first round, Emerging Ireland team manager Joey Miles said: "A natural event like that, a tragedy like that puts the game of rugby into perspective. We express our regrets to the Georgian people and the Georgian Union for the terrible tragedy that they had."

David O'Reilly from the IRFU Charitable Trust's Corporate Patrons Committee speaks about the new scheme which provides businesses with unique networking opportunities and provides a platform for companies to effectively activate their CSR programmes. For further information, please contact Linda Black of the Charitable Trust - telephone (01) 6473866 or email: linda.black@irfu.ie / http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/34728.php.